Kathmandu, July 12: Over one thousand Kamaiya bonded labourers have filed an application at the district administration offices in Kailali, Kanchanpur, Banke, Bardiya and Dang seeking emancipation from their masters.

The emancipation movement gained momentum after 19 Kamaiya families living at the house of Shiva Raj Pant of Geta VDC, Kailali filed such an application.

This was stated at an interaction programme held by the Martin Chautari social Development and Research Centre to take note of the stories of some 10 Kamaiya from Kailali who revolted against their bonded status.

The Kamaiya launched their movement in support of demands such as waiver of debts, freedom from bondage, peace and security and shelter.

During the interaction, the Kamaiya said they abandoned their masters’ house to thwart the sauki system of indebtedness and complained that the government did not pay serious attention towards their emancipation notwithstanding the threats and manhandling that they were subjected to.

Following announcement of their emancipation from their master Pant, all the Kamaiyas are now working on a daily wage basis and some of them have taken to riksha pulling.

The local Landless Settlers Problem Resolution Commission has agreed to measure the land occupied by them, they said. About 92 Kamaiya have been freed so far in Kailali district alone, it is stated.